RRC Polytech presented Tessa Potter, an Emmy-award-winning broadcast technician, with the 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award at the Electrical Engineering Technology Homecoming event for the program’s 60th anniversary. The award celebrates the remarkable personal and professional achievements of RRC Polytech alumni.

Since graduating from RRC Polytech’s Electronic Engineering Technology program in 2000, Potter has built a successful career in television, radio, and live sports broadcasting, earning two Sports Emmy Awards for her technical work on the 2022 Beijing and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“I’m thankful to RRC Polytech for this opportunity…I feel very honoured,” said Potter. “It’s surprising, when you see the list of other Distinguished Graduates, that someone like me, who’s still maybe considered a ground-floor worker, would be honoured.”

Potter credits the program for giving her the technical foundation that’s supported her throughout her career.

“Learning electronics isn’t something that happens through osmosis…you have to work at it,” said Potter. “Those classes where we took apart computers or wired up microcontrollers on a breadboard were valuable because they gave us space to experiment and make mistakes in a safe environment.”

She went on to roles with CTV and Rogers Media before joining True North Sports + Entertainment (TNSE) as a Broadcast Liaison, where she has supported NHL and AHL broadcasts for more than a decade. Today, she balances her work at TNSE and her role as a Senior Broadcast Technician at SBL Engineering with freelance broadcast contracts, which have taken her to international sporting events, such as the UEFA EURO Finals, the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.

“Tessa’s career shows how far a polytechnic education can take you, particularly in technical industries,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Tessa has built an incredible career through collaboration, hard work, and continuous learning, which are all qualities that reflect her character and RRC Polytech’s values. We’re proud to count Tessa among our alumni and pleased to recognize her with this award.”

Potter is also an advocate for representation in her industry, a mentor to the next generation, and a leader committed to strengthening the broadcast community.

“My first experience in the industry was at SBL Engineering, where a woman was at the helm, navigating a space that traditionally had only men in it,” she said. “I want other women to know that even though there aren’t many of us in the industry, this still is valuable work and they might enjoy it.”

She’s also served as a subject-matter expert at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and is the first female president of the Western Association of Broadcast Engineers (WABE), a role she still holds today. Under her leadership, the WABE Annual Convention broadened its scope to include pro AV, film, radio, post-production and live-production sectors, creating more opportunities for education across the industry.

Potter said that while the technology and tools have changed dramatically since she first started, the opportunities for graduates with curiosity and technical skill continue to grow.

“As long as content is being created and consumed, there’s a place for people like us behind the scenes.” Potter said. “It’s a rewarding career. You get to solve problems, work with great people, and see your work come to life in real time. That’s pretty special.”

Potter said she’s honoured to receive RRC Polytech’s 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award and proud to represent the many behind-the-scenes workers who keep media and entertainment running. She hopes it encourages more people to explore electrical engineering technology as a career.

“There’s no career path that’s straight or easy,” said Potter. “It’s a winding road of opportunity and long days of work…but the people and teams you meet along the way and the final product you create together are things to be proud of whether you win an award or not.”

Profile by Raegan Hedley (Creative Communications, 2016).

About Distinguished Graduate Awards

One of RRC Polytech’s highest honours, the Distinguished Graduate Award celebrates graduates of the College who have distinguished themselves in both their chosen professions and their communities. It recognizes the outstanding personal and professional achievements of our finest graduates. Since 1993, RRC Polytech has awarded 40 Distinguished Graduate Awards. Learn more about the awards and past recipients here.

About EET Homecoming

RRC Polytech celebrated 60 years of Electrical Engineering programs on November 6 with alumni, instructors past and present, current students, and industry supporters at a special Homecoming event. You can view the event photo album here.